What does a summer break mean to you? Is it a time to kick back and wait for opportunities to come your way, or is it a time to take action, find your passion and get out there to experience the world in an educational way?
These are the questions many interns have asked themselves before you. Their conclusion? Don’t let these 2021 summer internship abroad opportunities pass you by.
If you’re new to the ins and outs of securing a summer internship abroad in 2021, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to inform you on the opportunities that await. If you’re experienced in interning abroad, then feel free to jump to the most relevant section to you:
Contents
- Why take a summer internship abroad in 2021?
- Where can you do an international internship this summer?
- What career fields are available for summer 2021 internships abroad?
- How does an international summer internship support professional development?
- How to apply for a summer internship abroad
- How to intern this summer if you can’t travel abroad
- FAQs
1. Why take a summer internship abroad in 2021?
If you’re a student, you’re probably already thinking about how you can make the most of your summer. The beautiful thing about an international internship is that it allows you to make epic travel memories while enhancing your career prospects. With Intern Abroad HQ’s exciting range of summer internships, high school and college students can have the time of their life while opening up new career possibilities!
International internships allow you to explore your field of interest, gain real world experience and enhance your resume - all of which are critical to securing and developing a meaningful career. International experience is also a key asset in today’s job market, where most employers seek those with a global perspective, an open mind, the ability to adapt and cultural intelligence. A summer international internship provides an amazing platform to develop these essential competencies for a resilient career, all the while building enriching friendships around the globe.
Those who have spent their summers interning abroad consistently tell us they’ve developed personally and professionally in the following ways:
- Gained increased confidence
- Developed further skills and knowledge in their field of study
- Enhanced their global perspective
- Discovered lifelong friendships
- Developed a new cultural appreciation
2. Where can you do a summer international internship in 2021?
Intern Abroad HQ specializes in affordable summer internship programs in some of the best destinations around the world. We also understand how stressful the ongoing uncertainty around travel restrictions might be - that’s why we’ve got a flexible booking policy, so once you’ve decided on an internship and paid your deposit, your money is protected.
The following internships are currently available and welcoming applications. The safety of our interns is our main priority and we always adhere to our strict Covid-19 health and safety measures. Stay up to date with our list of overseas internship reopenings here.
Summer internships in Europe:
- Czech Republic – internship programs in business, marketing, design, IT and education
-
Greece – medical internships for pre-med, pre-dentistry, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students, plus internships in graphic design, marketing, viticulture, agriculture, marine science and environmental conservation
- Ireland – internships available in marketing, tourism & hospitality, sales & marketing and education
- Italy – large variety of internship placements available in agriculture, conservation, architecture, law, marketing, social work and more
- Spain – a wide range of internships available in finance, business administration, engineering, law, graphic design, marketing & communications, medical & healthcare, education and more
Summer internships in Africa:
- South Africa - internship programs across a diverse range of career fields, including human rights law, marketing, healthcare, tourism, marine biology and wildlife reserve management
- Tanzania – a range of medical internships for healthcare students and professionals, teaching placements for interns with a passion for education, plus internships in hospitality and social work
- Zanzibar – internships in medical, psychology & social work and tourism
Summer internships in Central & South America:
- Costa Rica – internship abroad programs in conservation, engineering, marketing, healthcare, veterinary, education and more
- Guatemala- intern in fields such as medical, microfinance, veterinary, tourism and coffee production
- Peru- internship programs in medical, marketing, veterinary, dentistry, psychology, education and more
Summer internships in Asia & Pacific:
- New Zealand – a wide variety of internship programs within business, design, environmental science, event management, IT, marketing, hospitality and more (due to border restrictions, internship abroad programs are currently open only for individuals already in New Zealand)
- Japan – internship programs available in education and youth development
Within each destination, we have a range of industry specific internships. If you aren’t sure what destination or internship is right for you, our team of internship experts can work with you on identifying the right opportunity and next steps. It’s free to apply, so don’t miss out on getting your application in ahead of summer! Your expression of interest allows us to check availability, answer any questions, and provide details on how you can get the ball rolling.
3. What career fields are available for summer 2021 internships abroad?
Are you a college or high school student seeking a summer internship abroad? We’ve rounded up the best international internship opportunities and matched them with the relevant fields of study. Browse the list below or select your area of interest to skip to that section on this page.
- Animal Care and Veterinary Internships
- Business and Economics Internships
- Education and Childcare Internships
- Engineering and Design Internships
- Environment and Conservation Internships
- Healthcare and Medical Internships
- Psychology and Social Work Internships
- Law and Human Rights Internships
- Marketing and Communications Internships
- Wildlife Conservation Internships
- Tourism and Hospitality Internships
2021 Summer Animal Care Internships Abroad
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love these internships that are committed to the care and preservation of critters, big and small.
Intern Abroad HQ’s Animal Care internships have a broad scope, so whether you want hands-on experience or something conservation oriented, we can help point you in the right direction.
As an Animal Care intern, you’ll assist with basic care activities and shadow veterinarian professionals. You may also be involved in campaigns to drive awareness and solicit fundraising support to allow the ongoing work of local organizations.
Top picks:
- Veterinary & Animal Care Internships in Costa Rica
- Veterinary & Animal Care Internships in Cusco, Peru
Ideal for those studying:
- Biological Science
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Medicine / Nursing
- Environmental Science
See All Animal Science Internships
2021 Summer Business Internships Abroad
Internships related to business and economics cover a wide range of placement opportunities which can help you to gain practical skills in your field. If you want to learn what makes a business tick, this summer is the perfect time to build your international network and gain real-world experience.
Our placements in these fields are some of our most flexible, with minimum durations beginning at just two weeks. Whether you’re passionate about NGO work, startups or large scale ventures, it’s never too late to get your foot in the door! Intern Abroad HQ also offers Business and Economics internships within more niche sectors, such as microfinance, women’s empowerment, journalism, event management, sales and trade, marketing communications and real estate.
Not sure what is best for you? Interns are placed within their chosen field based on an analysis of their skills and experience. Regardless of placement, these business internships promote collaboration, creative thinking and adaptability, as daily activities are subject to client requests and business priorities that are constantly changing.
Top picks:
- Microfinance Internship in Costa Rica
- Business & Commerce Internships in Prague, Czech Republic
- Microfinance Internships in Guatemala
- Sales & Account Management internships in Rome, Italy
- Start Up Entrepreneurship Internships in Cape Town, South Africa
- Sales & Trade Internships in Valencia, Spain
- Accounting Internships in Tanzania
Ideal for those studying:
- Business Management / Administration
- Accounting and Finance / Economics
- Commerce
- International Relations
- Communications
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Marketing
- Business Law
- Human Resources
2021 Summer Education Internships Abroad
If you are looking to make a real difference this summer, you should consider an Education and Childcare internship. This is an opportunity to provide basic learning opportunities while gaining insight into another country’s education system. Intern Abroad HQ offers a wide range of programs that are an ideal fit for education and teaching majors looking to build a career at home or abroad.
Want to teach English abroad as part of your internship? You could explore an Education and Childcare Internship in Valencia, Spain. You’d be placed in a private school that offers a bilingual curriculum, allowing interns who are not yet fluent in Spanish to teach and assist local staff with a wide range of subjects and curriculum.
You may be involved in activities such as one-on-one reading, oral presentations and individual and group support. You may also provide classroom assistance on the subjects of cooking, art and sports and take part in additional tutoring helping students that require extra classroom support.
Top picks:
- Women’s Education Internships in Costa Rica
- Language Education Internships in Prague, Czech Republic
- Youth Development & Education Internships in Tokyo, Japan
- Special Education Internships in Cusco, Peru
- Youth Development & Education Internships in Cape Town, South Africa
- Youth Development & Education Internships in Valencia, Spain
- Social Work & Education Internships in Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Women’s Education Internships in Tanzania
Ideal for those studying:
- Education
- Education Psychology
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Special Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Physical Education
2021 Summer Engineering Internships Abroad
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and now more than ever, it is critical that our younger generation gains hands on experience within the industry. There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with technology, and the engineering field is the perfect way to get your foot in the door - plus engineering internships are in particularly demand at the moment. By gaining valuable experience abroad this summer, you can learn what inspires you most within the engineering field and how to propel your passions into a thriving and prosperous career.
As an Engineering intern, you may be at a digital manufacturing placement. Here, you’d spend your time in labs that are outfitted with specific software and manufacturing equipment and see first hand how concepts are transformed into tangible materials.
Tasks may include elaborating plans, impressions of pieces in 3D, assembly of different components and problem solving while also maintaining the general cleanliness of the lab itself.
Top picks:
Ideal for those studying:
- Engineering (civil, chemical, computer, industrial, environmental, electrical, mechanical)
- Engineering Management
- Renewable Energy
- Digital Manufacturing
- Information Technology / Computer Science
See All Engineering Internships
2021 Summer Environmental Internships Abroad
If spending your summer outdoors and staying active sounds like you, then you should consider an Environment and Conservation internship. These internships provide relevant fieldwork and survey experience, a chance to utilize GIS technologies for real-world applications and a chance to give back to nature.
Intern Abroad HQ’s internships will let you get your hands dirty while boosting your practical skills in some of the world’s most beautiful environments. You could spend your summer exploring diverse ecosystems and learning from professionals in the field!
“As an Environmental Conservation intern in Costa Rica, I helped with a diverse range of tasks. This included maintaining trails, setting up cameras to monitor the activity/health of wildlife, organizing the videos caught by these cameras, setting up butterfly traps to document species, photographing the flora and fauna, planting trees and working with a GPS. During the internship, I gained a better understanding of the problems faced in Costa Rica in terms of environmental policy and learned about policy/legal predicaments concerning illegal hunting in protected areas, as well as issues concerning climate change.” Nikki Maruya - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in Costa Rica).
Top picks:
- Environmental Conservation Internships in Costa Rica
- Aegean Marine Science & Island Conservation Internships in Greece
- Coffee Production Internships in Guatemala
- Agriculture & Production Internships in Rome, Italy
- Reserve Management & Research at Kruger National Park, South Africa
Ideal for those studying:
- Environmental Sciences / Studies
- Environmental Law / Policy
- Environmental Engineering
- Resource Management / Environmental Planning
- Geography
- Sustainability Studies
- Systems Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Medicine
See All Environmental Internships
2021 Summer Medical Internships Abroad
Healthcare workers are of critical importance to society, and this isn’t limited to just doctors. Social workers, psychologists, special education professionals and dentists all make the world go around. That’s why Intern Abroad HQ provides internships in each of these domains, providing you with flexibility opportunities to gain experience within your particular field.
Intern Abroad HQ’s range of medical internships are ideal for pre-med, pre-dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students. As an intern, you’ll shadow and observe professionals across a wide range of departments and medical specialities.
“My long-term goal is to become a PA, so this internship provided me with some critical entry-level medical experience. Although it was in a different country, it was so valuable to see how medicine is practiced differently between two countries (U.S and Peru). As part of the internship, I learned how to evaluate patients, do physicals and check ups, take vitals, administer vaccinations and teach patients how to improve their health. This was a hugely valuable step forward to my long-term goal.” Anjeza Hoxhallari - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in Cusco, Peru).
Top picks:
- Physical Therapy Internships in Costa Rica
- Physician’s Assistant Internships in Athens, Greece
- Medical Internships in Guatemala
- Midwifery Internships in Cusco, Peru
- Public Health Internships in Cape Town
- Physical Therapy Internships in Valencia, Spain
- Dental Internships in Arusha, Tanzania
- Medical Internships in Zanzibar
Ideal for those studying:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Podiatry
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Public Health
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Disability Care / Special Needs Care
- Biological / Health Sciences
2021 Summer Psychology Internships Abroad
Are you an aspiring psychologist or social worker? These important lines of work require tangible, hands-on experience, and a summer internship abroad is the best way to achieve this. Intern Abroad HQ’s range of Psychology and Social Work internships will allow you to cultivate cultural intelligence while working alongside renowned industry professionals.
With internships available in Italy, Peru, South Africa, Spain and more, our summer internships will give you the experiential learning you need to progress your career. This is also an opportunity to have an overseas adventure, cultivate new friendships and learn about new cultures.
As a Psychology Intern in Valencia, Spain, you would play an observational role alongside trained local therapists, shadowing them in real life consultations and learning from actual therapy sessions. Placements are available across a range of environments, including private practices and clinics, healthcare centers, with non-profit organizations and social services. Interns in Valencia are also encouraged to learn Spanish while abroad in order to interact with the local team and patients.
Top picks:
- Psychology Internships in Cusco, Peru
- Psychology Internships in Cape Town, South Africa
- Psychology Internships in Valencia, Spain
- Psychology Internships in Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Social Work internships in Rome, Italy
- Social Work & Education Internships in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Ideal for those studying:
- Clinical Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Health Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Learning Mentoring/Tutoring
- Special Education
- Family Support Work
- Youth/Social Worker
See All Psychology Internships
2021 Summer Law Internships Abroad
If you’ve been studying law or political science and want hands on experience outside of the classroom, a summer law internship abroad could be for you. Practical experience learned through internships can help to inform your career path and narrow down areas of the interest that you’re most passionate about.
With opportunities available in specialized areas such as environmental law and human rights, internships are a great way to set yourself (and your resume) apart from your peers.
For example, as a Law & Human Rights intern in Cape Town, South Africa, you’ll engage in paralegal work and assist refugees and asylum seekers with their appeal processes (i.e. drafting letters, offering legal advice, assisting in the promotion of human rights etc). Interns also spend time familiarizing themselves with relevant documentation and laws while gaining greater insight into the problems faced by refugees within the region. Come prepared to embrace a new culture, work within a supportive team and build connections within local communities.
Top picks:
- Human Rights Law Internships in Cape Town, South Africa
- Human Rights internships in Rome, Italy
- Legal Support Internships in Tanzania
Ideal for those studying:
- Legal Studies
- Political Science
- International Development / Relations
- Philosophy
- Environmental Law / Environmental Management
- Human Rights
Summer 2021 Marketing Internships Abroad
Marketing and Communications is a rapidly growing international field - and experience counts! Build your professional portfolio, grow your global network and have fun exploring your creativity with Intern Abroad HQ’s internship selection.
From graphic designers and photographers, to writers, brand managers and social media whizzes, Marketing and Communications internships offer diverse placement opportunities that are suitable for people with a range of talents.
Placements may include startups, NGOs, and small to large companies within the private sector. Get a head start and a competitive edge through a proactive summer internship that will put your imagination and talent into practice.
“I came to intern in Greece to specialize in Photography and to boost my portfolio with wildlife and nature images, but I ended up doing so much more than that. I got to document all the amazing surveys other people were doing which helped me learn more about conservation. I photographed dissections going on in the lab, which has definitely been a new experience for me. I felt like I was really making a difference and getting experience in my field. I’m very grateful that Intern Abroad HQ are making these internships affordable and helped me get the experience I needed. I would definitely consider this organization if I were to do some other internship in the future.” Hedvika Michnova - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in Greece).
Top picks:
- Media & Advertising Internship in Costa Rica
- Design Internships in Prague, Czech Republic
- Media & Communications Internships in Bali
- Sales & Marketing Internships in Dublin, Ireland
- Digital Marketing Internships in Rome, Italy
- Marketing & Communications Internships in Peru
- Marketing Internships in Cape Town, South Africa
- Marketing & Communications Internships in Valencia, Spain
Ideal for those studying:
- Arts / Fine Arts
- Media
- Design
- Communications
- Marketing
- Commerce
- Business Management / Administration
- International Development / Relations
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Human Resources
- Education
- Journalism
- Linguistics
2021 Summer Wildlife Conservation Internships Abroad
Calling all adventurous spirits! Are you seeking a summer internship that will combine professional development with the thrill of an African safari? All you need to participate is a positive work ethic, a passion for conservation and the readiness to get stuck in and make a real difference. Sound like you?
This is an opportunity to witness some of the world’s most diverse wildlife while helping to protect their natural habitat. Options are split between marine and terrestrial conservation priorities, so whether you’re a budding scuba diver or prefer to stay on land, Intern Abroad HQ has the right summer internship for you.
Interns aid in the collection of data that keeps wildlife reserves running on a long-term basis. Activities include daily game drives to observe the animals and the state of the reserve, upskilling on bush ecology, animal behavior, navigation and GPS and GIS techniques. These skills enable interns to assist with game transects, bird point counts, roadkill surveys, camera traps and fence patrols. The research offers progressive insight into this pioneering reserve location and directly informs ecological management decisions.
Top picks:
- Game Reserve Management & Research at Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Marine Biology & Reef Conservation Internships in South Africa
- Environmental Conservation Internships in Costa Rica
Ideal for those studying:
- Environmental Sciences / Studies
- Environmental Law / Policy
- Environmental Engineering
- Resource Management / Environmental Planning
- Geography
- Sustainability Studies
- Systems Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Medicine
See All Conservation Internships
2021 Summer Tourism Internships Abroad
There is no better way to reach your career goals in the Tourism and Hospitality industry than to combine it with a meaningful experience abroad. Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible placements available year-round within Guatemala, Ireland, Peru and South Africa.
An example of an experience as a Tourism & Hospitality intern in Guatemala or Cusco, Peru, may include activities related to organizing tours, improving marketing and sales plans, scheduling reservations, website development and maintenance, SEO, social media activity, relationship building and assisting with direct sales to clients. When you’re not working on your internship during the week, you’ll have the weekends to enjoy the stunning destination of your choice!
Top picks:
- Hospitality & Tourism Internships in Guatemala
- Hospitality & Hotel Management Internships in Dublin, Ireland
- Tourism & Hospitality Internships in Cape Town, South Africa
- Tourism & Hospitality Internships in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Ideal for those studying:
- Tourism Management
- Hospitality Management
- Media / Communications
- Marketing
- Commerce
- Business Management / Administration
- International Development / Relations
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Human Resources
4. How does an international summer internship support professional development?
An international internship is supposed to challenge you, elevate your learning, enhance cultural awareness and facilitate the development of practical knowledge within your field. This experience is not complete without understanding your own goals, having intended learning objectives and being able to critically reflect on your journey and it’s outcomes.
Intern Abroad HQ supports this essential process by providing an experiential learning curriculum, with weekly tasks for interns to complete during their time abroad. The tasks are linked to universally transferable employability skills, such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving and resilience.
These exercises add an extra layer of support during your internship experience and provide the opportunity for you to articulate your most significant learnings. Upon completion of your internship, your reflection work acts as a great segway to sprucing up your resume, being able to ace your job interview and having the potential to stand out from the crowd.
5. How to apply for a 2021 summer internship abroad
If a summer internship abroad is right for you, it’s time to apply! Anything worth doing in life takes time and effort, but Intern Abroad HQ and our team of intern experts makes it easy - we’ll support you every step of the way! You might be left asking yourself, “what do I need to organize in order to make a summer internship possible?” Let’s work through your to-do list:
Set your expectations and budget
Before you pack your bags and order that uber to the airport, you first need to ask yourself what you want from this experience. We recommend talking to friends and family members for ideas and input on what opportunity is right for you. Are you solely seBefore you pack your bags, you first need to ask yourself what you want from this experience and what opportunity is right for you. Are you solely seeking an internship that progresses your career, or are you interested in an internship that equally delivers an enriching cultural experience? All things are possible with a summer internship abroad, but establishing priorities and setting realistic expectations early will help you get clear on where you should go and what you should do.
Prep, prep, prep
Good things happen when opportunity is met with preparation, and when it comes to going abroad, timing and convenience is critical. That’s why we offer flexible start dates and both short and long term durations, so you can plan and embark on your internship when best suits your schedule. We recommend that you begin planning in advance so that you have ample time to research destinations, book affordable flights and consider the tourism excursions you might like to schedule during your free time. If you know you have a lot of fundraising or saving to do, the more lead time you give yourself, the better off you’ll be.
Select your internship
It sounds straightforward, but this can often be the trickiest part. If you still need help matching your skills to the right summer internship, have a friendly and non-obligatory talk with our expert team.
Once you’ve selected your ideal internship field and destination, you’ll have greater clarity to outline your budget and travel plans. Your budget will include both the price of your internship placement and personal spending allocation for in-country expenses. Support from Intern Abroad HQ also includes:
- Convenient access to flexible humanitarian flights booking
- Secure accommodation abroad arranged in conjunction with your internship placement
Determine your budget
When it comes to budgeting, Intern Abroad HQ offers the most affordable summer internship opportunities out there. This leaves you with extra dollars in hand so you can enjoy the fine cuisine and attractions of your new temporary home. If you have a set budget, check out our fees page to align yourself with the best destination option. If you’re still not sure what you need to include in your budget, stick with us and we’ll outline all the details you need to consider.
The cost of an internship ranges based on the following factors:
- Initial deposit (US$449 to secure your spot)
- Program price (prices start at US$948 and vary by destination and duration)
- Flights (prices vary depending on date of departure and destination)
- Insurance (gain a free and non-obligatory quote via our services page.)
- In-country expenses (depending on your destination, we recommend a budget of approximately US$100 per week at the minimum). - You may budget extra for add-on such as tourism excursions or even language lessons.
Work with your university
Depending on your motivations for taking an internship abroad, it may be possible to work with Intern Abroad HQ and your university to receive course credit and even financial support. We’ve collaborated with a number of universities over the years, including San Diego State University, Coastal Carolina University, Northeastern University and Southern Utah University, so we are experts in helping students to facilitate course credit and explore funding support which may be available through various academic institutions.
At the end of the day, we understand everyone’s situation is different. Our team of experts can take your preferences on board and make recommendations that best work for you. If you have an idea, just run it by us and we can chat through some options which may be a fantastic fit.
6. How to intern this summer if you can’t travel abroad
If you’re looking for an alternative to interning overseas this summer then consider a remote internship!
Intern Abroad HQ’s virtual internships provide a proven platform to master your project management and communication skills, practice in-demand skills within a specific career discipline, and make your resume stand out - all from your laptop!
- Choose from 68 remote internship programs, hosted out of 17 destinations worldwide
- Complete your internship from your laptop at home, or anywhere in the world
- Start when you like and choose your own hours for a part or full time schedule that can flexibly accommodate other commitments
- Grow your global network online and connect with internship colleagues via video calls, instant messenger and email
- Remote internships are the most affordable investment as you won’t be paying for flights or other travel costs